QUITO, Ecuador (Feb. 27, 2024) Ecuadorian navy Adm. Miguel Cordova, head of the Ecuadorian navy, presents his navy's Great Star of Military Merit Award to Rear Adm. Jim Aiken, commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, at Ecuadorian Naval Headquarters in Quito, Ecuador. Aiken received the award for his contribution to strengthening the maritime partnership and improving interoperability with the Ecuadorian Navy, increasing the readiness of both countries' maritime forces. USNAVSOUTH/FOURTHFLT is the trusted maritime partner for Caribbean, Central and South America maritime forces leading to improved unity, security and stability. (U.S. Navy photo by Robert Kapcio)